Description:

The Pilot Whale is one of the most commonly targeted species in the Grindadrap. These whales are not true whales but belong to the dolphin family, specifically the genus Globicephala. They are medium-sized cetaceans, and the 2nd largest Dolphin (the Orca is the largest Dolphin – previously called a ‘Killer Whale’!) with males typically growing up to 6 meters (20 feet) long, and females around 5 meters (16 feet).

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Habitat:

Pilot Whales are found in deep ocean waters and are highly social, forming large pods that can number in the hundreds. They are commonly found in the North Atlantic Ocean, which includes the waters around the Faroe Islands.

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Behaviour:

Their name, Pilot Whale, was given to them due to the way they swim in their pod, with a Leading ‘Pilot Whale’, leading the whole pod. Known for their strong social structure, Pilot Whales are often seen in tight-knit family groups. They are deep divers, typically feeding on squid and fish. Despite their social nature, they are vulnerable to being herded during the Grindadrap, as they often follow one another into shallow bays where the hunt takes place.

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Impact of the Grindadrap:

The Grindadrap targets Pilot Whale Pods, often leading to the deaths of large numbers of individuals. The practice has raised concerns about the sustainability of the species in the region, as pilot whales reproduce slowly and the hunting process is stressful for these highly intelligent animals.

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Photo Credit: Pilot Whale

Photographer Adam Li NOAA-NMFS-SWFSC

Description:

The Atlantic white-sided dolphin is a striking species known for its bold colouration, featuring a white stripe along its sides. They are medium-sized dolphins, typically ranging between 2.6 to 2.8 meters (8.5 to 9 feet) in length. These dolphins have a distinctive black, gray, and white pattern.

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Habitat:

These dolphins are found in the North Atlantic, primarily in colder waters. They are typically seen in groups and inhabit coastal waters, particularly around the Faroe Islands.

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Behaviour:

Atlantic white-sided dolphins are known for their active nature and acrobatics, often seen breaching and leaping. They feed primarily on fish, including herring and cod, and are social animals, forming pods of 10 to 100 individuals.

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Impact of the Grindadrap:

The Atlantic white-sided dolphin, though less frequently targeted than pilot whales or bottlenose dolphins, is occasionally caught in the Grindadrap. While their population status isn't as concerning as that of some other species, their involvement in these hunts is still a subject of ethical debate.

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Photo Credit: Atlantic White-sided Dolphin            Elliott Hazen, NOAA Fisheries

Description:

The harbour porpoise is a small, stocky cetacean, distinguished by its dark, greyish colouring and a short, blunt snout. They typically measure around 1.4 to 1.9 meters (4.5 to 6 feet) in length, making them one of the smaller cetaceans in the North Atlantic.

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Habitat:

Harbour porpoises are found in shallow, coastal waters, often in bays, estuaries, and harbours. Their range includes the waters around the Faroe Islands, where they are occasionally targeted.

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Behaviour:

Harbour porpoises are shy and elusive, making them harder to observe than other species. They primarily feed on small fish and invertebrates. They are usually seen alone or in small groups, which makes them more vulnerable during the Grindadrap.

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Impact of the Grindadrap:

Though they are less frequently hunted than larger species, the harbour porpoise is sometimes involved in the Grindadrap. As a smaller, more vulnerable species, the killing of harbour porpoises raises concerns about the sustainability of their populations in the region.

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Photo Credit: Harbour Porpoise

Nikki Clear The Wildlife Trusts​

Description:

Bottlenose dolphins are one of the most well-known and widely distributed species of dolphins, recognised by their distinct, bottle-shaped snouts. These dolphins are larger than many other species, with adult males reaching up to 4 meters (13 feet) long and females slightly smaller. 

 

Habitat:

Bottlenose dolphins can be found in warm and temperate seas worldwide. In the North Atlantic, they inhabit coastal waters, which is where they are often targeted during the Grindadrap.

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Behaviour:

Bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent and known for their playful, social nature. They are often seen in groups ranging from a few individuals to over 100. They feed on a wide variety of fish and cephalopods and are frequently seen in shallow waters, making them susceptible to the Grindadrap.

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Impact of the Grindadrap:

Bottlenose dolphins are increasingly targeted in the Grindadrap, though their numbers are typically smaller in hunts compared to pilot whales. The hunting method can be particularly distressing due to the dolphins' complex social bonds and intelligence, raising ethical concerns about the practice.

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Anon Photo Credit:  Bottlenose Dolphins

Description:

The white-beaked dolphin is another member of the Lagenorhynchus genus and is easily identified by the white markings on its beak, which contrasts with its darker body. They are slightly larger than the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length.

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Habitat:

White-beaked dolphins are found in the North Atlantic, particularly in colder waters. Their range includes coastal regions, making them vulnerable to being targeted in the Grindadrap.

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Behaviour:

These dolphins are social and often form pods of 10 to 30 individuals, although larger groups have been reported. They feed on fish and squid, and are known for their energetic behaviour and frequent surface displays.

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Impact of the Grindadrap:

White-beaked dolphins are occasionally targeted during the Grindadrap. Though not as frequently as the larger species like the pilot whale, their involvement in the hunt raises concerns about the impact on their populations, particularly given their relatively slower reproduction rates.

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Photo Credit: White Beaked Dolphin

Brian Gratwicke NOAA

The Grindadrap has been the subject of intense debate, particularly from marine conservation and animal rights groups and environmental organisations. Critics argue that the practice is inhumane and unsustainable, especially in light of the dwindling numbers of certain species.

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Several international organisations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC), have called for greater protections for marine mammals. In response, there has been growing support within the Faroe Islands for more sustainable, ethical practices and a re-evaluation of the Grindadrap.